Lieutenant-General Whitecross Selected as Commandant of NATO Defense College

National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

A message from Lieutenant-General Christine Whitecross, Commander of Military Personnel Command

I am humbled to have been considered and selected as the next Commandant for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defense College in Rome, to begin in summer 2017.

As the third Canadian Commandant leading the College since its foundation, this role presents a unique opportunity to represent Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces abroad. Since joining the Alliance in 1949, Canada has played a substantial role in the military-political strategies of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Among my chief priorities will be building and further strengthening our relationships with all countries in the defence network, and moving the organization into a future of strategic and operational success.

My predecessor, Poland’s Major General Bojarski, has reinforced the role of the NATO Defense College as an indispensable part of NATO, as well as its training and educational significance for tomorrow’s leaders, both military and civilian, who have gone on to work at NATO Headquarters and its Commands.

The College fosters strategic level thinking on political-military matters and prepares selected officers and officials for important NATO and NATO-related multinational appointments, conducts academic studies and research in support of the Alliance's wider goals, and supports an active outreach program with other educational institutions.

In assuming my new responsibilities, I will draw on my past experience, and in particular my role as Commander of Military Personnel Command within the Canadian Armed Forces. As Commander of Military Personnel Command, I recognize the value of solid foundational training and professional development for all leaders as well as institutional excellence.

My life’s passion has been to create a more respectful and inclusive environment for everyone. As the first woman appointed to be the Commandant of the College, I’m honoured, and I look forward to representing all Canadians and the Canadian Armed Forces in a manner that reflects our best values.

Her Excellency Sharon Johnston appointed Honorary Captain (Navy) for Military Personnel Command

National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Press Release

Her Excellency Sharon Johnston was appointed Honorary Captain (Navy) of Military Personnel Command of the Canadian Armed Forces today at an investiture ceremony at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario.

Lieutenant-General Christine Whitecross, Commander Military Personnel Command, presented Mrs. Johnston with an official scroll signed by Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan.

The responsibilities of honorary appointments include fostering esprit de corps; developing, promoting and sustaining strong community support; establishing and maintaining liaison with unit charities and associations as well as with the commander and other persons with honorary appointments; participating in parades and official functions in which the Command takes part; and advising the commander.

“Her Excellency Sharon Johnston is a distinguished Canadian whose extensive volunteer involvement with medical and educational institutions demonstrates the values of an Honorary Captain (Navy), such as personal commitment and sense of duty. I couldn’t be happier welcoming her to our Command.” - Lieutenant-General Christine Whitecross, Commander Military Personnel Command

Early in her career, Her Excellency Sharon Johnston worked in the area of child psychiatry and obtained her doctorate degree in rehabilitation science, all while raising five daughters with her husband, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston. 

She has volunteered on many administrative boards, including that of the Collège de Marie de France, in Montréal, and Bishop’s College School, in Lennoxville, Québec. She was also a founding member of the Friends of the Neuro volunteer group at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital.

Mrs. Johnston is an avid horse-riding enthusiast. She ran a horse-training centre for 12 years out of Chatterbox Farm, in Ontario, which she shared with her husband.
Mrs. Johnston has also published her first novel, Matrons and Madams (2015), a fictional account of life in southwestern Alberta during the post-Great War era.